Graduate, Cost Manager

WSP Global Inc.; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm is seeking a Graduate Cost Manager to support project delivery in health and life sciences. The role involves assisting in cost management and preparation of project documentation, contributing to your professional development towards chartered status. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in quantity surveying or Commercial Management and exhibit strong financial management skills. Join a dynamic team to make a positive impact in the community.

Benefits

Graduate Development Programme

Mentoring for professional registration

Networking opportunities

Qualifications

• Graduated with at least a 2:2 in a relevant degree.
• Desire to develop a career and become chartered.
• Understanding of financial management and project controls.

Responsibilities

• Support project delivery across health and life sciences.
• Assist in cost management through project lifecycle.
• Prepare estimates, cost plans, and tender documentation.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Logical thinking

Enthusiasm for creativity

Knowledge of project controls

Accurate reporting

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in quantity surveying or Commercial Management

Job description

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

We are recruiting for a Graduate Cost Manager for our Oxfordshire Lexica team. Lexica is a leading specialist consultancy, transforming environments for clients in health and life sciences. From June 2025 Lexica is a member of WSP (UK) Ltd and will be fully integrated into the organisation by January 2026.

We help organisations become more efficient and effective across the sectors we work in – from improving patient pathways for the NHS, developing laboratories to facilitate world‑leading science, to rationalising educational campuses to attract top talent and research investment. Our clients tell us we have a wide range of skills across the business that gives us a competitive edge over other organisations.

A little bit more about your role and the team…

As a Graduate Cost Manager, you will support the delivery of projects across the health and life sciences sectors and be part of a dynamic team responsible for full cost management services from initial feasibility through to completion on complex refurbishments and new‑build schemes. You will help deliver robust cost plans, support procurement and tendering, administer contracts, and ensure strong cost control throughout the project lifecycle. You will work closely with NHS Trusts, science clients, and design teams.

Day‑to‑day activities could include:

• Assisting in the cost management of projects through the entire project lifecycle.
• Assisting with the preparation of estimates, cost modules and cost plans.
• Assisting with the preparation of pricing schedules, tender and contract documentation.
• Undertaking monthly assessments for payment.
• Construction phase cost management including attending site meetings, negotiating and agreeing variations with the contractor and preparing the monthly cost report for the client.
• Assisting with cost reports, presenting to stakeholders, and supporting the preparation of business cases for public funding approval.

You will join an enthusiastic and supportive team, providing a challenging and fulfilling career. In this team you will work with internal and external stakeholders, collaborate with colleagues and adapt to dynamic project environments.

Graduate Development Programme

Our two‑year Graduate Development Programme is designed to support personal and professional development and growth through an engaging blended learning experience. The programme includes core business and professional skills training, career development workshops and resources, valuable networking opportunities, mentoring for professional registration and on‑the‑job experience.

We encourage you to achieve chartered status; your development is our priority. We will fully support you through enrolment in a professional institution’s training agreement, guiding you towards chartered or incorporated status.

What will we be looking for you to demonstrate:

You’ll have graduated with at least a 2:2 in a master’s or bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying or Commercial Management.

• Complete the application form in full, answering all specific questions. This requirement applies to all candidates; successful completion is mandatory before the online skill enabler assessment.
• Start work in January 2026.
• A desire to develop your career and become chartered.
• Knowledge of project controls and financial management, and an understanding of accurate reporting across all project stages, compliance with client funding requirements and audit standards.
• Commercial awareness, logical thinking, and efficient, accurate work habits.
• Enthusiasm for creativity and a drive to solve problems.
• Willingness to inspire with new ideas.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? If you have the right qualifications for our positions, apply and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities in our Graduate programme.

For further information regarding our Application & Selection process, including recruitment timelines, please visit our Early Careers brochure: Application & Selection.

We review applications on a rolling basis, progressing candidates to final stages before the application closing date. To ensure full consideration, submit as early as possible.

Imagine a better future for you—and a better future for us all. Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact.

With us, you can

Apply today.